Winter is approaching and so you and your pool have to be prepared for it. Making your pool installation winter-ready might seem complicated but all you require is a little groundwork, before closing the pool. This can make the process of pool closing, easy.
Being one the leading swimming pool construction and maintenance companies in Toronto, Luxury Pools has mentioned below a few tips that can help you to have a speedy and effective pool closing.
1. Maintain a Steady Temperature
The pool should have a consistent temperature that should be below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It will help to keep the algae from growing.
2. Add Phosphate Remover
A week prior to your scheduled closing, add phosphate remover to your swimming pool installation. It will keep the algae out while preventing the blooming of new algae.
3. Brush and Vacuum
Make your spring cleaning easier by brushing and vacuuming your pool before closing. Thoroughly brush the floor and sides, while skimming through the surface and cleaning the pump baskets.
4. Maintaining a Water Level
Water expands and contracts due to the cold weather. Skimming the water level will allow the water to expand and contract. Luxury Pools, with significant experience in swimming pool maintenance, has derived an optimum winter water level that should be maintained during the time the pool is closed.
For Freezing Weather: The water level should be 4 to 6 inches below the plaster or skimmer.
For Non-Freezing Weather: Fill it up to the top.
5. Maintain Water Balance
Using a test kit, ascertain the pH level and the alkalinity of your pool. The pH level of your swimming pool installation should be between 7.4 to 7.6, while alkalinity should remain between 80 to 120 ppm.
6. Shocking and Chlorinating in Pool
The process of shocking removes or kills all the bacteria that might attempt to loiter in your swimming pool. Do what the professionals do. A few days before you close your pool, give your swimming pool shocks, or else you can also shock the swimming pool a night before you close your pool.
7. Backwashing the Filter
Allowing your pump to run a full course will chemically clean your pool filter while backwashing.
8. Drain Pool Lines
Allow the water to drain out of the pool pump, pool heater, and pool filter. Use a vacuum to clear out any water or moisture remaining in the pump and filter. This will help you to save cost on your pool repairs that occur due to the damage in the pipes caused by winter.
9. Install an Air Pillow
This step is essential for homeowners who have an above-ground pool. Air pillow compresses when the pressure of the water starts intensifying due to freezing. Due to the compression, the pressure shifts to the pool walls thus protecting them from the winter damage.
10. Cover with a Winter Cover
A winter cover will secure and winter-proof your swimming pool. It can be used on inground and above-the-ground pools. If installed duly, the winter can save your swimming pool from debris, algae, and stains during the off-season. You will save a significant amount of money on chemicals as sealing your pool in winter will reduce the use of chemicals you might use in your pool while opening up in spring.
11. Keep a Monthly Check on Water Balance
Keep checking your water for its pH level and alkaline level and see that it is maintained during the months the pool will remain closed.
Hire A Pool Maintenance Company!
For many homeowners, this process stands as a long list of inconveniences. Hire a Pool Maintenance Company to enjoy your pool days, hassle-free. Contact Luxury Pools, one of the leading swimming pool construction and maintenance companies now, to ensure beautiful pool days for the coming year.
